Circumcision crisis: Women up in arms over illegal gangs ‘forcing oaths’

A women’s group with members from Nairobi, Nakuru and Murang’a counties has condemned illegal gangs accused of forcing newly-circumcised boys to take oaths and join them.

According to them, young men are being initiated into criminal gangs during the circumcision period.

Margaret Muthoni, Chairperson of the Nyakinyua Women Group said circumcision is losing value and youths no longer understand its significance.

“The government must come in and arrest all those responsible. Children must be guided well and not mislead into thinking that circumcision is for joining criminal gangs,” she said.

She further urged community leaders to take action so that circumcision can continue as it did before and be respected.

The Nyakinyua Women Group also called on parents to be on the lookout whenever they release their boys for circumcision adding that some may be taking oaths unknowingly.

The sentiments follow an incident last week where a newly circumcised teenager died in Kandara, Murang’a County.

He was allegedly beaten to death by unknown men for failing an initiation ceremony.

The boy who recently sat for his Kenya Certificate of Primary Examinations (KCPE) exam will be buried on Tuesday.